Notts smash and grab upsets Middlesex
Published: 18 June 2014

A stunning final day batting performance from Nottinghamshire helped them chase down 385 to record a six-wicket win over Middlesex in their LV= County Championship Division One clash at Trent Bridge.

Led by England T20 opener Alex Hales, who made 94 - his second score in the 90s of the match - and his Australian partner at the top of the order Phil Jaques, who made a quickfire 76, Notts showed a positive approach from the first ball of the day.

The pair rattled along at more than five an over, and their progress was carried on by another England T20 regular, Michael Lumb, who hit eight fours and a six in his 82-ball 68.

Hales was dismissed by Ravi Patel - the pick of the Middlesex bowlers with 3/95 - just six short of his ton, but Middlesex struggled to stem the flow of runs.

A couple of quick qickets for Patel threatened to derail title challengers Notts' victory surge, but it was emphatically quashed by Riki Wessels.

The 28-year-old smashed five sixes in a 48-ball innings of 74 to wrap-up a remarkable win taking Notts to the top of the table in the process - with half of their matches now played.

Middlesex must lick their wounds, but remain heavily involved in what is promising to be a thrilling title race, lying just five points behind in third position.